Firefighters rush out of grocery store for emergency call – then return to find good samaritan paid for them

January 8th, 2020

By Caryl Jane Espiritu

Contributor at Spotlight

A group of firefighters from Indiana was in the middle of their grocery shopping when they suddenly got a call for help. They did not hesitate for a moment and left whatever they were doing to fulfill their responsibility to the community.

What they did not expect, though, was what welcomed them when they came back to the grocery store.

The crew from Fishers Fire Department Station 392 went to Olio Road Kroger to do some grocery shopping to stock up some goods for their families. It was at that moment that they were received an emergency dispatch call at a nearby area.

As expected, they did not hesitate to drop whatever was keeping them busy just so they can respond to the call for help. That also meant that the groceries they have already put in their cart were left behind in an instant.

The team of firefighters did not know that their groceries were kept by the employees aside, so they can still continue their shopping after the incident they attended to. But, more than that, an anonymous customer decided to pay for the firefighters’ groceries!

Lt. Duane Reddick, one of the three firefighters who were shopping at Olio Road Kroger, shared that he and his mates were busily shopping for their families’ groceries when they received a call. He cannot help but admire the fact that this was the first time in 20 years that someone has ever paid for his groceries!

“We don’t always expect a ‘thank you’, we don’t ask for it. We just do it,” Lt. Reddick shared with WIBC. “But it was very heartwarming that somebody saw us leave and [paid for our groceries].”

In a Facebook post, the fire department posted how much they appreciated the deed of this anonymous customer. It was truly an act of kindness that touched the hearts not only of the firefighters but the hearts of everyone who has known about this inspiring story.

“When they returned to the store, the awesome staff had placed their groceries in the cooler to keep until their return and some anonymous kind person had paid for them. The crew hopes that person sees this post and understands just how much their kindness is appreciated.”

These firefighters are committed to helping the neighborhood and keeping everyone safe and free from danger. They put their lives on the line just to make sure that all members of the community can live in a peaceful and happy environment.

As people who have decided to live a life of duty, a simple ‘thank you’ will always be enough to show appreciation for their efforts. But, of course, it never hurts to go the extra mile in making these brave firefighters feel just how grateful we all are for having them.

What the stranger did for these firefighters may seem like a small act of kindness, but it definitely resonated and made a positive impact in the lives of these men of duty and to all of the people who have come across their story.